Ina Coolbrithphoto from Wikimedia CommonsIna Donna Coolbrith (March 10, 1841–February 29, 1928) was born Josephine Donna Smith, the niece of Mormon founder Joseph Smith. Her family came to California and was led over the Sierra Nevada by African American mountain manJim Beckwourth, with Ina riding on Beckwourth’s horse. Her mother started using her maiden name to avoid association with Joseph Smith and Mormonism, and Ina followed suit, also shortening Josephine to just Ina.

Ina is probably best known as a poet, and as the first California Poet Laureate. But she was also the first librarian of the Oakland Free Library (the 2nd public library in California; Eureka’s was first), and befriended and mentored 10-year-old Jack London (he called her his “literary mother”), and also mentored a young Isadora Duncan. Alas, the affections of Isadora’s father for Ina may have led to the breakup of his marriage.

In 1919, Coolbrith began hosting a group of kindred literary spirits. "I want the Circle to live and be ever widening...to perpetually keep the history and literature…of California alive..." The Ina Coolbrith Circle is still active. Ina was also an honorary member of the Bohemian Club, had her portrait taken in later years by a young Ansel Adams, and was friends with Joaquin Miller (and helped him gain global fame). Her circle of poet and writer friends also included Bret Harte and Ambrose Bierce. Coolbrith was an honorary member of the Ebell Society.